CRIME SCENE: Police hunting 'Hull gang' kicking wing mirrors off cars

Crimes in the Riverside Police Area. Scroll down for a hi-res version of the map.

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The number of cars being damaged in a part of Hull has risen. In the latest of our 'Crime Scene' features Jenna Thompson hears how police are trying to find the culprits. Scroll down for a map and list of crimes in the Riverside area.

POLICE believe a gang of youths may be responsible for a spate of cars being damaged. Wing mirrors have been kicked off and windscreens smashed during a series of attacks in the streets off Spring Bank.

Officers have seen a rise in criminal damage in recent weeks and have increased patrols in the area.

They believe it may be a gang of youths who are damaging vehicles for fun as, in most cases, nothing has been stolen.

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"It just seems to be people walking around, randomly choosing vehicles and kicking wing mirrors off and smashing windows.

"In most cases, they are not gaining entry to the vehicles but are smashing the front or rear windscreens, which is not usually the thing someone breaking into a car to steal would do.

"We have had some intelligence which suggests it is a group of youths who are just doing it mindlessly."

Although it is not covered by the Riverside neighbourhood team, officers say there have also been several cases in Duesbery Street, off Princes Avenue.

In one night, wing mirrors were kicked off seven cars.

Insp Mattinson said the damage has inconvenienced residents who park their cars in that area.

"It causes major inconvenience and a lot of upset for people," he said.

"Although most people have insurance, they have excesses to pay and it still puts them out of pocket."

Police analysis showed most of the damage has taken place between 5pm and 3am on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Insp Mattinson said: "That links in with the night-time economy, but the fact someone has seen a group of youths doing it and the running off doesn't particularly tie in with someone going out drinking.

"In Duesbery Street, we believe a man was upset after being out drinking and kicked the wing mirrors off in a drunken rage.

"It could be a mixture of those things which is leading to this damage."

The attacks have mainly been occurring in the area around Mayfield Street. Cars parked in Morpeth Street and Albany Street have also been affected. After police spoke to Hull City Council, trees have been cut back to improve CCTV coverage.

Insp Mattinson said: "There were a few blind spots, so the council organised for the trees to be cut back at the bottom of Mayfield Street.

"We have now got better coverage in that area and cameras are monitoring it."

Residents living in the area have been given leaflets warning them of the attacks and offering advice.

Insp Mattinson said: "It is a difficult one to prevent, but we would always urge people not to leave any valuables in their cars so they are not specifically targeted by people looking to steal.

"I would also advise people to try to park their car in a well-lit area, ideally somewhere they can see it from their home, but we know parking can be a bit of a nightmare in that area.

"The other thing we need is for people to be vigilant. If they hear car alarms going off, or see or hear anything suspicious, have a look outside and get a description.

"A lot of the time people don't contact us, but if they do we have the best chance of getting there quickly and seeing what is going on."

3 comments

Perhaps they are being kicked off artistically. It could be artwork. After all, city of culture coming up. If I caught one doing that to my car, his features would also be rearranged with strong regard to artistic appearance.

This happened to my cat about 3 years ago, I witnessed it happen from my bedroom window and recognised the lowlife who did it. I reported it to the police, and after several more visits to the police station for identity parades and statements they took him to court for criminal damage. He was found guilty and ordered to compensate me for the money I had spent replacing the mirror, no other action. I never ever received a penny, and I've seen him walking about several times, he has got away scot-free with it. Lesson learned – the courts are a complete waste of time